I was one of the lucky participants to receive an advanced copy of the Delivering Happiness book by Tony Hsieh (pronounced Shay).  I read it cover to cover in just a few days as it was hard to put down.   I know a lot of readers say that of books, but the timing of my reading of this book was different than most.  I have a 2 year old daughter and another just a couple days from being born.   I am happy to say our newest daughter has joined our family a couple weeks ago as of writing this.

This book is for any business owner (large and small) and any entrepreneur.  Myself being an entrepreneur and having read probably 100 books on happiness and success I knew it was a “must read” for me.  Early on and throughout the book you can clearly see Tony Hsieh is and has been an entrepreneur at heart.  He takes a concept and nurtures it with unbelievable passion to follow through and grow it.  His perseverance is evident several times as his confidence pushes him to make his ideas fruitful.

The Zappos story is an interesting one and just that aspect of the book alone creates enough drama to keep the pages turning.  It is not often you get the nitty-gritty details on the early struggles of a business.  Delivering Happiness includes many emails and correspondence from the early years when their path to profitability was uncertain.

Much has been written regarding the Zappos culture, but it was interesting to see how and why it started.  I especially liked reading about the employees living and partying in the “loft”.  I also especially liked Tony’s observations regarding techno music and raves.  This may not seem to be related in and of itself, but the whole concept of the book is Tony’s happiness journey.  Along the way he just happened to create the #1 online shoe store in the world (and they have recently been adding more products).

So I highly recommend giving the book a read.  I suspect it may become “standard” reading for any aspiring business owner or entrepreneur.

Delivery Happiness – A Path To Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh